Mod 2 - Extension of Time

Development must always be considered in the context of the surrounding area. This can change over time. Given this, a modification for an indefinite start date is irresponsible.
The risks of CSG mining are well evidenced and the Premier has acknowledged that the current legislation is not adequate to manage development of the industry. In this context, no new applications or modifications should be approved and existing projects should be frozen, to conduct an investigation into the full impacts of CSG development.
The drinking water catchment is unsuitable for CSG exploration and production. Allowing this development to go ahead contradicts the pre-election promise from Barry O'Farrell: "The next Liberal/National Government will ensure that mining cannot occur... in any water catchment area, and will ensure that mining leases and mining exploration permits reflect that common sense; no ifs, no buts, a guarantee."
The Illawarra Escarpment is a high risk bush fire area, exacerbated by its highly combustible peat base. Indeed, in August 2012 a bush fire burnt through AI09 and AI10 in this project. Extracting and piping gas in this environment will increase fire risks.
The development of this coal seam gas project is being layered on top of extensive coal mining and a fault line, without an assessment of the combined impacts.
There is widespread public opposition to CSG exploration and mining in the area. This includes a public petition of over 30,000 signatures, formal votes against CSG mining by local councils and two actions opposing CSG development attended by over 3,000 people each.

We live at the foothill of the Illawarra escarpment. There is a ban on development along this area because of landslide and bushfire. Coal gas seam exploration will affect the water quality for the vegetation and native lives. We are very worried about the effect of the seam on the bushfire season because there is a good supply of fuels around. Any spark will result in a complete disastrous fire for us. We trusted the NSW State Government to do the right thing by us and not let this happen. AMEN

I am sad that the NSW gov should ever even consider this. Are we that desperate?

What a sad it will be for the residents of NSW if CSG mining were to go ahead. What hope is there for communities and our children if the Government doesn't put a stop to this NOW. It is beyond comprehension that anyone would even consider mining near fresh water supplies. STOP CSG MINING NOW

I would like to see a ban on coal seam gas exploration or development in this area.

The development of this resource is entirely in the interests of the gas companies and entirely against the interests of the owners of the gas, ie: the people of Australia.

My reasons are as follows:

1. the current technology carries an unacceptable risk to water and soil. Given the likely consequences of soil and / or water contamination, even a very small likelihood of contamination is unacceptable. We can live without this gas. We cannot live without our water and soil resources. Therefore, the security of our water and soil resources MUST take priority over gas exploration and development.
2. The gas is a non-renewable resource owned by the people of Australia. Once extracted, it will not be available for future use. As this is a "one-opportunity" resource, we should be absolutely sure that we are making the best possible use of it. Selling it overseas to be burned hardly counts as appropriate use.
3. Resource extraction companies have a demonstrated track-record of acting only in their own interests. Currently, legislation is not strong enough to hold them in check and protect the interests of the resources' owners. Before we can consider allowing our mineral and fossil-fuel resources to be extracted and sold, wee must be sure that our interests are being protected. Currently this is not the case.
4. Fossil-fuel and mineral resources will not deteriorate in quality if they are left in the ground. There is no rush to develop them - except as far as the mining companies are concerned. Therefore, there is plenty of time for better technologies to be developed, and we should wait until this has happened before reviewing the situation.

The only appropriate course of action at this time is a ban on coal seam gas exploration or development in this area.

The development of this resource is entirely in the interests of the gas companies and entirely against the interests of the owners of the gas, ie: the people of Australia.

My reasons are as follows:

1. the current technology carries an unacceptable risk to water and soil. Given the dire consequences of soil and / or water contamination, even a very small likelihood of contamination is unacceptable. We can live without this gas. We cannot live without our water and soil resources. Therefore, the security of our water and soil resources MUST take priority over gas exploration and development.
2. The gas is a non-renewable resource owned by the people of Australia. Once extracted, it will not be available for future use. As this is a "one-opportunity" resource, we should be absolutely sure that we are making the best possible use of it. Selling it overseas to be burned hardly counts as appropriate use.
3. Resource extraction companies have a demonstrated track-record of acting only in their own interests. Currently, legislation is not strong enough to hold them in check and protect the interests of the resources' owners. Before we can consider allowing our mineral and fossil-fuel resources to be extracted and sold, we must be sure that our long-term interests are being protected. Currently this is not the case.
4. Fossil-fuel and mineral resources will not deteriorate in quality if they are left in the ground. There is no rush to develop them - except as far as the mining companies are concerned. Therefore, there is plenty of time for better technologies to be developed, and we should wait until this has happened before reviewing the situation.

Election of this government and our current local member was on the basis that in this area proposed development of CSG would be reviewed especially because of water catchment and environmental concerns.

These concerns now appear to be being disregarded. No new developments in the science of gas extraction has, in the interim, proven our environment and water will be safe.

I expect the NSW Government to meet the serious commitment made by the Premier, Mr Barry O'Farrell, prior to the 2011 State Election that, if elected, that his government would ensure that mining will not occur in any water catchment area, and would ensure that mining leases and mining exploration permits reflect that common sense; "no ifs, no buts, a guarantee". It is too late now to renege on that promise.

The disastrous outcomes from CSG mining in other parts of the world, especially in the USA, MUST count for something !

The citizens of New South Wales deserve, at the very least, a complete moratorium on CSG mining and the granting of exploration licences for CSG until comprehensive scientific research has been carried out, by independent bodies, on the full impact of CSG mining.

The Illawarra is a proven bushfire area and it is common knowledge that CSG mining causes the random release of methane gas. Is the NSW Government prepared to allow the addition of methane gas to the inferno of a bushfire, and so close to Sydney ? The answer has to be "no", no "ifs", no "buts".

Finally, any government has the responsibility to the citizens of the future to ensure that their water supplies remain untainted. The granting of CSG licences will compromise the quality of water in the catchment areas forever.

This is a submission opposing Apex Energy application to extend drilling deadlines for 16 wells spanning two drinking water catchments (Woronora and Nepean). Allowing such a modification for an indefinite start date is irresponsible.

The risks of CSG mining are well evidenced and current legislation is not adequate to manage development of the industry.

Existing projects should be frozen, to conduct an investigation into the full impacts of CSG development. Meanwhile no new applications or modifications should be approved.
The drinking water catchment is unsuitable for CSG exploration and production.

The Illawarra Escarpment is a high-risk bush fire area. Extracting and piping gas in this environment will increase fire risks.

The development of this coal seam gas project is being layered on top of extensive coal mining and a fault line, without an assessment of the combined impacts.

There is widespread public opposition to CSG exploration and mining in the area and resident's concerns should be addressed properly.

I ask that the NSW Government does not grant an extension to the Apex coal seam gas entitlements for the following reasons:
1. It was an election promise by the O Farrell team that this would not occur.
2. Increased fire risk and intensity to our area when it is already prone to fire because of the natural bushland that surrounds us. Methane gases will increase the likely hood of fires. Only last month did a fire start at Bulli Tops Well site and quickly spread to Darkes Forest. Our lives and homes would be in serious danger in case of catastrophic
fires. It is a fact that lives are lost in Australian bush fires, remember Victoria?
3. These sites will be constructed across the upper Illawarra escarpment causing a huge increase of heavy truck usage. this in turn will destroy the bushland, increase pollution and devalue the quality of life for humans and animals alike.
4. Drilling will be occurring within the protected water catchment areas for Sydney and Illawarra.If this water is contaminated, as it has been in many areas of Queensland, there are no alternatives except billions having to be spent on more d-salination plants. In turn our water rates will be astronomical. Native bird life and animal life will be affected, farms, crops etc. This is the source of life!
5.There could be damage to the sandstone geology on which our aquifers sit.
6.Our local environment will be ruined by the drill sites. The quality of our children's and our lives will be diminished by the noise pollution, the increased
chance of disasters and the possible threat to our health and well being.
7. The drop that will occur in the market value of our homes and properties.
8.The damage these wells will cause to wildlife populations. The areas around our suburb is mostly bush. We need these to protect our natural heritage.
9. The Royal National park adjoins this area. What damage will occur to our oldest PROTECTED area? The green corridor that exists must be protected at all costs. There is no turning back when its all ruined. Is that the legacy the OFarrell government want's to be remembered for?
10. No guarantees have been made that our lives will be safe in case of an explosion.
11.Tourism in the area will be affected, in turn, lost revenue, in turn loss of jobs. Will Apex offer those people jobs?
12. Money is not the only thing that counts. Whilst the promises by Apex may be tempting, to a government with huge debts, the consequences if our environment and our water supply are contaminated will be insurmountable.
for all the reason above it is imperative that extensions are not granted to APEX Energy.

I would like to strongly petition against the request for extension in the Apex Gas Exploration Project.

I, and many of my friends and colleagues, are deeply concerned by the risks that CSG mining poses from an environmental and public health perspective. While the science is still non-conclusive, there is a growing body of evidence pointing to the severe detrimental effects of CSG mining on water catchments and on the health of locals. In Australia, we simply cannot afford any risk to our water catchments.

Further to this, I am conscious that the Premier has acknowledged the inadequacies of current development and approval legislation, and so it would be entirely inappropriate to grant a licence for development in this legislative context.

You will of course already be aware of the sustained and significant public outcry both in the Illawarra region and more broadly in Sydney concerning this project - this alone should be compelling in its case to not allow the development application to go through.

I strongly oppose this development, and vigorously encourage you to reject it in its entirety.

I strongly object to the extension of the APEX CSG entitlements in the Illawarra area. I believe that this is a serious and irreversible process that clearly causes long term environmental damage. This proposed extension is the thin edge of the wedge and has not included comprehensive community consultation in its process.

This is a beautiful natural environment that has already has had a large impact from coal mining on our fragile escarpment areas and is still affected by the regular coal dust from the coke trains.
The CSG industry even in an exploratory phase poses great environmental damage to our community, pristine natural bushland, the sandstone geology and our drinking water.

Surely water is our most precious resource and should never be compromised for short term financial gain. The Premier gave a loud and clear pre election commitment to NO CSG mining in water catchment areas. Has he forgotten this so quickly? I am profoundly concerned that our water supply may be affected by saline run off and chemicals from future drilling and fracking. Water is our greatest resource and we need to ensure that NO CSG exploration, drilling or mining occurs anywhere near catchment areas, prime agricultural land and environmentally sensitive areas.

Drilling exploration leads to roads and infrastructure and many well pads covering extensive areas with minimal surveillance.The additional risks include methane gas escaping and increasing an already high bushfire risk, loss of wildlife and houses. It is a dangerous practice using toxic chemicals and affecting our land, air and water supply.

This community has made itself very clear that it wants NO COAL SEAM GAS - it is a threat to our children, our lifestyle, our environment, our air, water, natural bushland and our collective future. We cannot compromise our most valuable natural resources. The Premier and Department of Planning and local authorities are duty bound to protect our environments and water supply.

Development must always be considered in the context of the surrounding area. This can change over time. Given this, a modification for an indefinite start date is irresponsible.
The risks of CSG mining are well evidenced and the Premier has acknowledged that the current legislation is not adequate to manage development of the industry. In this context, no new applications or modifications should be approved and existing projects should be frozen, to conduct an investigation into the full impacts of CSG development.
The drinking water catchment is unsuitable for CSG exploration and production. Allowing this development to go ahead contradicts the pre-election promise from Barry O'Farrell: "The next Liberal/National Government will ensure that mining cannot occur... in any water catchment area, and will ensure that mining leases and mining exploration permits reflect that common sense; no ifs, no buts, a guarantee."
The Illawarra Escarpment is a high risk bush fire area, exacerbated by its highly combustible peat base. Indeed, in August 2012 a bush fire burnt through AI09 and AI10 in this project. Extracting and piping gas in this environment will increase fire risks.
The development of this coal seam gas project is being layered on top of extensive coal mining and a fault line, without an assessment of the combined impacts.
There is widespread public opposition to CSG exploration and mining in the area. This includes a public petition of over 30,000 signatures, formal votes against CSG mining by local councils and two actions opposing CSG development attended by over 3,000 people each.

I object very strongly to coal seam gas exploration before a scientific assessment deems it safe. How could you open all land to be potentially used for mining when it is clear that mining and potable water and arable growing land do not mix .

CSG is unacceptable to the community, CSG is unecceptable for generations to come, it is a polluter and is unsuitable for CSG exploration and production and unsuitable for the drinking catchment areas and elsewhere.Their is strong public oppostion and petition drawing up negative lines against it. and I am strongly opposed to it myself. This is regarded as an uneccessary mining and extraction for gas or forcing something out of the ground which should and is meant to stay in their, drilling and nothing but leaving waiste and chemicals behind. The oil and gas in the ground is a must to sustain earth activity and prevent earthquakes, they are like suspension on a motor vehicle. just Figure like the NBN what a waiste, no one asked for it, no one needed it, no one wanted it,no one wanted to pay for for it, so why did they go ahead do it.
The drinking water catchment is unsuitable and a no go zone for CSG exploration and production. Allowing this development to go ahead contradicts the pre-election promise from Barry O'Farrell: "The next Liberal/National Government will ensure that mining cannot occur... in any water catchment area, and will ensure that mining leases and mining exploration permits reflect that common sense; no ifs, no buts, a guarantee." Lets test and see if a politician can tell the straight truth for once, See if the Government work for thi speople of this nation or just for themselves and have it backed up with dignity.

I oppose the Apex application for the following reasons;-

First and foremost, Barry O'Farrell made a pre-election promise not to mine in water catchment areas '...no ifs, no buts...a guarantee'. I ask him to keep his promise. With the potential risks to water, it is ludicrous to allow CSG in water catchments.

We recently had a bush fire that went through Darkes Forest. This included an area that was designated as a site for a CSG bore hole. It is now totally burnt out. And this is not yet the bush fire season. The hazzards therefore are very, very obvious.

The Wollongong council and citizens have a long-term vision for an expansion of the tourist industry in this area. The Illawarra is very special, located between the escarpment and the ocean, not far from Sydney, the potential for tourism is enormous, providing many and varied much needed jobs. - More jobs than the CSG industry. The foreseen 150-200 production wells, together with the infrastructure, if the project goes ahead, will ruin the beauty of the escarpment and will certainly be a detriment to tourism.

local councils and thousands in the community have made it clear that they do not want CSG. In the Illawarra, we have held two events, each drawing more than 3000 people, protesting about CSG. We have handed a petition of 30,000 signatures to the government. Our message is loud and clear.

The request by Apex for a delayed starting date til day of first drilling is ridiculous. How can it possibly be assessed when it is impossible to judge the conditions in the future, especially with continuing, and expanding coal-mining.

Water is more precious than gas. I ask the Government to use wisdom and base decisions in this matter on the long term good of the state and its communities and not on the short-term profits.

I object to the development of CSG extraction in Australia, and particularly in water catchment areas serving large populations as it presents serious risks to subterranean and surface water bodies.

I therefore request that the licences in the Illawarra not be renewed.

Dear Madam/Sir,

I am writing to express my objection to the proposed modification by Apex Energy to their -currently frozen- development application to drill for coal seam gas in the Illawarra region.

This modification, if approved, would allow Apex Energy to extend drilling deadlines from "three years from commencement of drilling of the first bore hole". This is in relation to 16 wells which span two drinking water catchments, Woronora and Nepean.

There is currently a lack of serious consideration of and research into the immediate and long-term effects of coal seam gas mining, particularly in and around water catchment areas. However, companies that have developed coal seam gas projects themselves concede that leakages are common and only increase over time. Steel and concrete are not impervious to the elements; I (and I imagine others too) would be incredibly concerned by a situation where these were the only materials standing between our pristine drinking water supply and a huge amount of undisclosed chemicals.

This is not in any way an extreme view. It is a reasonable expression of caution at the thought of possibly inducing a public health crisis, in the event that our drinking water might be compromised.

Further, it was promised by the incoming O'Farrell government that:

"The next Liberal/National Government will ensure that mining cannot occur... in any water catchment area, and will ensure that mining leases and mining exploration permits reflect that common sense; no ifs, no buts, a guarantee."

The drinking water catchment is unsuitable for CSG exploration and production. Allowing this development to go ahead contradicts this pre-election promise from Barry O'Farrell.

What would we do if our drinking water was compromised?

In addition to concerns about the effects of CSG mining near out water catchments, there are other significant risks to the local area:

1. The Illawarra Escarpment is already a high risk bush fire area. In August this year a bush fire burnt through AI09 and AI10 in this project area. Extracting and piping gas in this environment will increase these fire risks.

2. The development of this coal seam gas project is being layered on top of extensive coal mining and a fault line, without an assessment of the combined impacts.

With such risks, it would seem highly reasonable to reject the modification by Apex Energy to extend drilling deadlines from "three years from commencement of drilling of the first bore hole".

Such applications should be considered in the context of the local environment. This application poses very clear risks to the local environment and importantly, its residents (as well as those living in Sydney who will be affected by water sourced from the Woronora and Nepean catchments).

I strongly urge you to consider this submission, as well as the multitude of community voices which stand in opposition to coal seam gas mining: 'Stop coal seam gas signs' are displayed outside hundreds of homes in the Illawarra, demonstrating the huge public concern over this issue.

Yours sincerely,
Amy Luschwitz

See attached File

I wish to object to this development on the grounds that I do not believe that current understanding of CSG exploration and mining proceses is sufficient to guarantee that damage to agricultural land and water supplies will not occur.